The Virginian-Pilot
©
CHESAPEAKE
At some point, children learn that Christmas wishes don't always come true overnight.
Sometimes, they take two nights and three posts on Facebook.
Johnny Person, a worker for Chesapeake's streets and highways division, faced a sudden eviction notice Monday, just months after being reunited with his 13-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, said Darnell Gaddis, director of Chesapeake's court-appointed special advocates program.
A judge had awarded Person custody of the children after they were removed from their mother's care, Gaddis said.
At 2:25 p.m. Monday, Gaddis posted a call for help on her Facebook page.
"Does anyone know of anything for rent in Chesapeake... that is available immediately?? I have a family that is being kicked out of their home tomorrow that is in desperate need... HELP!!"
By noon the next day, she had lined up an apartment. But that wasn't the end of it. The family also needed a way to move its things from Portsmouth to Chesapeake.
"Anyone have time and a truck?" she posted at 11:25 a.m. Tuesday.
At 6:08 p.m., an update:
"OK for those that have been following along.. I found the family an apartment..secured a deposit...and first months rent.. now I just need living room furniture."
Offers kept pouring in. One anonymous donor bought furniture. The Knight Hawks of Virginia and Hampton Roads Pride, groups that host fundraisers for Gaddis' program, gave $925 and toys.
"Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible," she wrote Wednesday.
Then, she posted photos of a living room with a Christmas tree strung with lights and red, green and silver ornaments. Piles of new clothes lay underneath.
The title of that Facebook photo album?
"My Christmas blessing."
Dave Forster, (757) 446-2627, dave.forster@pilotonline.com
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Yahoo
waiting on the goverment
where would they be now if they were waiting on the goverment for help????
great story
we are watching miricle on 34th street,I have seen it at least 40 times , Its a good story too ,people like us watch it every year becuase it makes us feel good about the season what is it with all you people , the people needed a roof over their head why does it matter why ,dam its christmas we liked the story and glad to see some people , kno the real meaning of the season ,and stepped up to help who cares about who what or why , most of you responders should be ashamed of yourselves , noone with children should be out on the street , merry christmas to all
Ditto
Thank you for that!
Hey
Let's not attack anyone! God forbid , it could happen to you! Don't be so pessimistic!
Eviction
So easy to criticize the landlord, the provider of the housing, when it is not you and your money that is being used by the tenant being evicted. This story should have stated the reason for the eviction. I suspect I know the reason as I have seen it many many times. All you "feel good" folks find it alot easier to feel good when the "fine family" is not living off of your wallet. Giving and charity is one thing, when it is mandated by courts and laws it is quite another. I wonder how long before this tenant finds himself being "suddenly evicted" once again. Having been evicted once already in 2007 and now again in 2010. Will you be supporting them in 2011? Or will that support be coming only from a landlord being cheated again?
Have a heart
It's Christmas. These children likely came from a less than desirable environment. Your comments speak volumes of what you think of those who may not have the luxuries that you have. Nothing has been said as to why, no. It's really not our business why he was evicted. But have a heart. These selfless volunteers saved Christmas for 2 children who might otherwise have had nothing.
Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year to you and your family.
As heartfelt as it is that
As heartfelt as it is that the community came together for this family, it's important to note in this story that evictions are never sudden. when renting, a tenant knows for, at least, 30 days, they haven't paid. they receive several notices as well as a letter from the court to appear for a hearing.
I praise the community for coming together, though!
Read again . . .
I don't think news of the eviction was sudden, but getting custody of his kids happened suddenly!
Union
Wow this is a very sweet and a true from the heart gift. Its a true blessing of what communication and connections can do. Im sure this family is very grateful and I wish them the best in their future. To all who pictched in, people like you are always good to have in this world. Where there is a will, there is a way and ask and you may recieve!
Comment deleted
This comment has been deleted for violating our posting guidelines. Any replies to this comment have also been deleted.
The reason for the deletion was: Disparaging victim or family